Does Your Water Pass the Smell Test?

There’s nothing more unpleasant than drinking, cooking or bathing with foul-smelling water. So, how do you know if the water you smell is safe to use?

There are a number of reasons why water may have a strange smell. From earthy, sulfer scents to chlorine or gasoline, some smells aren’t anything to worry about, while others should be addressed immediately for your family’s health and safety. In this latest article, we address some of the most common water smells, what they mean and how to remedy them.

Read the full article by Jon Sigona here to learn more about the most common odors in tap water and the solutions you need to get back the freshest smelling and tasting water.  

Countertop Water Solutions, Ideal for Rentals & Small Spaces

There’s something about returning to a college dorm or apartment after a holiday break that makes you realize the things taken for granted at home. One common complaint is the quality of water – or the lack thereof – available in most dorms and apartments. Showering with tap water may be cutting it for temporary housing situations, but living off bottled water is neither cost- or eco-efficient.

Municipal tap water can contain all sorts of chemicals, including chlorine and chloramine, dissolved solids like sulfur, aluminum and even heavy metals like mercury and lead. These can give tap water a foul taste or smell and are less than ideal for daily consumption.  

Filtered water is the obvious solution, but for many living in dorms, apartments or other small, shared or even short-term dwellings, a whole-house filter isn’t practical.

The solution? Countertop filters. These filters provide clean water precisely where you need it – your sink. Not only do sink top dispensers remove up to 99 percent of chemicals, metals and other impurities found in tap water, they are ideal for these common dorm and apartment dilemmas, including:

Small spaces

Small living quarters means little room, even for the essentials. With every nook-and-cranny of a kitchen cabinet split among multiple roommates, there is simply no space for bulky water filters or stacks of bottled water. Our Home Master ® Jr., sink top filter only uses a few inches of counter space, nestled next to your existing faucet. Plus, no need to worry about overturning heavy five-gallon jugs or a difficult installation process.

Shared water

Packaging utilities can be a pretty sweet deal, and usually a logistical must for dorms or apartments. But this sort of setup leaves little room for customization. Since buildings must only provide access to basic needs, municipal tap water is what you can expect to find. With a sink top filter, you can easily transform your water supply into clean, filtered H2O for your personal needs and enjoyment.

On the move

Dorms aren’t typically long-term living situations, and most people aren’t prepared to invest additional funds in a place they may only be leasing for a short time. Most sink top dispensers are easy to install and can be removed in minutes, so you can easily take it with you to your next residence. Our model, the Home Master ® Jr., even comes with a limited three-year warranty as an added bonus.

Inexpensive and cost-effective

At well under $100, sink top dispensers are not only a less expensive alternative to whole-house filters, they are also more cost-effective in the long run. The average American drinks 167 water bottles per year, and one could guess more for on-the-go college students. That could equal more than $500 per year! With a sink top filter, you’ll have better-than-bottled water right at your faucet, ready to refill at a moment’s notice at no additional cost.

Eco-friendly

Money isn’t the only thing wasted on water bottles. Of the hundreds of bottles consumed by individuals each year, only about 20 percent are recycled. Additionally, many dorms don’t offer recycling services, causing more plastic bottles to end up in landfills. By reducing the amount of bottled water usage (and investing in a quality reusable bottle), you do your part in reducing your carbon footprint.

 Find out more about our countertop filters here: 

4 Simple Hard Water Hacks

It’s a busy time of year and the last thing we want to be dealing with is dingy laundry or hard-to-remove mineral stains in kitchens and baths. Hard water is something that requires a water softener or scale prevention system to remove long term, but with little time to install a system like this before the holidays there are short-term tips to solve your specific hard water concerns.

Here are five common hard water problems and quick solutions to get your home ready for hosting family and friends.

Use vinegar for stain removal in the kitchen.

To keep glassware and silverware spot- and stain-free for the holiday table, wash dishes in a mixture of warm water, soap and a half-cup of vinegar. The soap and water helps to loosen stains while vinegar removes difficult mineral deposits as well as tough stains like coffee and lipstick without a ton of scrubbing.

Incorporate a water conditioner in your next load of laundry.

Hard water can wreak havoc on laundry. Stiffness or yellowing of clothing can be the result of washing your clothes with hard water. To remedy this issue, try adding a water conditioner to a load of laundry just once to see if it helps. The conditioner actually boosts the power of the laundry detergent, removing harsh minerals caused by hard water and prevents detergent residue from building up on your clothes, which is typically the cause of stiffness and dingy colored clothing.

Baking soda is for more than baking.

Baking soda has a great deal of household uses including removing grimy mineral buildup in toilet bowls. Start by pouring one cup of vinegar into the toilet. Let it sit for about one minute, then add one cup of baking soda and one more cup of vinegar. Let this concoction stand for 10 minutes before cleaning with a bowl brush. You’ll see that it lifts those pesky mineral stains immediately. (Tip: this will work in your bathroom sinks too.)

Improve the look and function of faucets and showerheads.

Fill a plastic freezer bag with hot water and vinegar. Next, place the bag over the faucet or showerhead, holding it in place by tying it with a rubber band. After two to three hours, remove the bag of water and vinegar to reveal a shiny new fixture. This solution will also clear out most mineral deposits that build up in the tiny holes of showerheads and faucets. For stainless steel or ceramic fixtures, the hot water and vinegar mixture will do the trick, however, if you have a large amount of buildup, use straight vinegar.

For more remedies to solve bothersome hard water issues, check out the Home Master Filter blog or view our FAQs. 

10 Water-Related Gifts for the Holiday Season

Updated: 11/09/18

Water is an essential part our everyday lives; it’s necessary for drinking, cleaning, hygiene and our overall health. At Perfect Water Technologies, we strive to provide the purest water in homes across the country. So while we take water a bit more seriously, that doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun with it. And what better way to spread the joys of water than with some holiday cheer?

This gift-giving season, consider a few H20-related items for everyone in your life. From the practical to the playful, here is our guide to the top water-related gifts.

1.     Shot Glass Ice Molds by KOVAT ($11.99)

In a previous blog post, we highlighted the importance of quality ice for your cocktails, but this takes ice to a whole new level of party utility. Fill the silicone mold up with filtered water, freeze and you have an instant party for eight – just add a beverage of choice! What’s more, you can spare yourself the cleanup (and party evidence) by letting these bad boys melt away when done.

2.     Hydro Flask Bottles ($29.95 and up)

A home filtration system can save you big bucks, so of course you would want to protect that investment by taking your tasty filtered water with you while you’re out and about. A Hydro Flask is the best way to ensure your water stays as crisp and cool as the moment it was filtered thanks to its revolutionary TempeShield™ protection. The double walled, vacuum insulated technology means the Hydro Flask keeps cold up to 24 hours. Plus, the ultra-lightweight stainless steel is BPA-free and phthalate-free unlike some plastic bottles.

3.     Universal Waterproof Phone Pouch by JOTO ($6.31)

Despite our mutual love for water and electronics, they can be a dangerous combination. Protect your precious smartphone (as well as credit cards and other valuables) from water damage with this handy waterproof pouch. The universal design fits most phones up to 6 inches, plus the clear material allows you to use the touchscreen and still easily take photos. Great for trips to the beach or lounging by the pool.

4.     Home Master Jr. F2 Elite Sinktop Water Filter by Perfect Water Technologies ($92.50)

Great for apartments, condos, dorms or rentals, a sinktop water filter is the perfect solution for anyone in need of filtered water without the ability to install a whole-house system. This lightweight and discreet counter top water filter is simple to install and removes up to 93 percent of dirt, soluble metals and chemicals that cause foul tastes and odors in tap water. It is truly a gift that keeps on giving!

5.     Showerheads for everyone on your list

From the fanatic to the fancy, everyone needs a showerhead that reflects their personal style. Star Wars continues to top gift lists this year, and home goods are no exception. Try the Darth Vader Handheld Showerhead by Oxygenics ($14.99) and feel the force with this pressure-boosting handheld showerhead.

For those looking to escape the reign of the Dark Lord, the 35-Spray 3-in-1 Rainfall Luxury Showerhead Combo by Rain Spa ($29.99) provides more of a spa-like shower experience with not one, but two powerful showerheads each with six different settings featuring the advanced high-performance 3-zone PrecisionFlo™ dial for more powerful flow even with low water pressure. The stationary spout has a 4.25-inch diameter, and the 35 spray settings offer 10 single and 25 combined water patterns for a truly luxurious feel.

6.     Aqua Glow Underwater Light Show ($29.99)

Finally – a dramatic backyard light show without the dramatic cost. This floating disco light covers your pool in multicolored patterns, making for a fun addition for any gathering. This product goes into action with the simple flip of a switch. Plus, the battery-powered Aqua Glow has an auto shut-off feature.

7.     Hot Water Bottle Cozy ($29.99)

Stay warm with this wool fleece hot water bottle cozy. Simply put, it covers your favorite rubber water bottle (not included) for hours of toasty toes, snuggly sheets or heated hands. Not only are hot water bottle heaters a safer alternative to electric heating pads, they’re great year round to relieve pain, muscle tension, cramps and headaches.

8.     Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker by JBL ($119.95)

Turn your pool party up a notch and take shower karaoke to the next level with a waterproof Bluetooth speaker. The JBL Charge 3 portable waterproof speaker can go just about anywhere and is made of rugged rubber that can be totally submerged. What’s more, the Bluetooth allows for connecting with other JBL speakers for an amplified sound-system experience, and the rechargeable Li-ion battery supports up to 20 hours of playtime on top of charging smartphones and other devices via USB.

9.     Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser by OliveTech ($26.34)

Who says oil and water don’t mix? Combine a few drops of your favorite essential oils with the power of a fine mist for the ultimate in relaxation. Soothe your senses and give any room in your home or office a fresh, clean scent with this decorative diffuser that is as appealing to the eye as it is your nose. With added mist strength controls, the boost in moisture can help soften dry and chapped winter skin and make it easier to breath. Plus, the seven customizable LED Light settings add ambiance, and the classic wood grain finish makes it a statement piece in any home.

10.  Donation to a water relief organization

Let’s not forget the true meaning of the holiday season and give back to those in need. For many – in fact, more than 633 million people around the world – that need is daily access to safe drinking water. Water.org or charity: water are two great non-profit organizations helping to bring clean water to people in developing countries and empowering their communities for financially and environmentally sustainable solutions. In addition to accepting online donations, you can send a holiday e-card honoring your gift of water through Water.org. Or, check out charity: water’s shop full of fun water-loving gifts with proceeds going directly to its cause. 

How to Stay Healthy & Hydrated This Holiday Season

“Stay hydrated” is a mantra we usually associate with summer. It makes sense, of course—as we sweat, we lose much of our body’s precious water. But staying well hydrated is just as important, if not more so, to your health during the chilly winter months ahead. Cold air contains less humidity than warm air, so our bodies lose more water. On top of that, the dry air coming from heaters doesn’t help us much either.

Let’s look at some of the benefits of staying hydrated as we approach the holidays.

Cold & Flu Recovery

Cooler temperatures are synonymous with the holiday season for so many. Unfortunately, this same time of year is prime cold and flu season. Hydration is critical for preventing and recovering from illness. Water helps avoid dehydration when you’re feverish, increases blood flow, flushes toxins from your body and even works to keep your sinuses clear. 

Overall Health

Interestingly, studies show that we drink less water as temperatures drop. Because our blood vessels constrict when we’re cold in order to maintain body heat closer to our core, our bodies are fooled into not feeling as thirsty even when hydration is desperately needed. Additionally, we tend to reach for a hot cup of joe (or other festive beverages) over a glass of ice water. And while coffee is brewed with water, you don’t get the same level of hydration. In fact, caffeine is a diuretic and can dehydrate you further, so opt for an extra glass of water for every cup.

Staying hydrated also helps you avoid feelings of fatigue and sleepiness as well as keep headaches at bay. Keep the water flowing throughout the holidays to ensure you don’t nod off before sampling that juicy turkey or have to pass on holiday festivities to nurse a fierce headache. 

Weight Control

For those of us who worry about gaining a few extra pounds over the holidays, water can be your best friend. Water helps promote a healthy metabolism, and drinking a full glass of water can actually help you feel fuller so you’ll be less inclined to overstuff on mom’s famous pumpkin cheesecake.

Of course, the type of water you drink to stay hydrated is just as important as how much of it you consume. Make sure you’re pouring clean, filtered water instead of that funky tap water.

This was Part 3 of our series on holiday water usage. Read Part 2 and keep coming back for tips on how to better manage your water during the holidays.

3 Reasons to Cook with Filtered Water

Whether you’re bringing your favorite dish to a family gathering or creating a feast for your loved ones this holiday season, chances are the majority of what you’ll eat during the holidays requires water. From chicken broth and mashed potatoes to pies and cookies, water is a key component to many holiday dishes. 

So, how do you keep your meals and drinks tasting as planned?

While some people think boiling water can help remove the source of unpleasant water tastes and smells, the real culprits are typically common water treatment chemicals, including chlorine, chloramine and dissolved solids like sulfur. Filtered water is a must to draw out these elements and maintain a flavorful menu; alternatively - buy bottled water for meal prep.

Here are a few important reasons why cooking with filtered water is a must: 

Permeable foods

It’s important to know that unpleasant tastes and smells can be easily absorbed by food, especially foods cooked in hot water, like potatoes and pastas. Then there are vegetables and fruits that need a thorough wash, including leafy greens or berries. These can all take on the flavor of your water.

To avoid ruining holiday dishes and salads use filtered or bottled water to cook and rinse ingredients. A thorough filtration process, not only removes the contaminants, but any unpleasant tastes or smells too. 

Baked goods

You’ve probably heard someone say that baking is a science. Well, it’s true. When it comes to baking and water, the type of water can heavily impact the end result. 

Hardness minerals and water treatment chemicals added to tap water by some municipalities can sometimes make it nearly impossible to get the perfect dough for dinner rolls, breads or cakes. Magnesium, calcium and chlorine can actually delay the yeast fermentation process, causing dough not to rise and breads and cakes to sink in. 

Holiday drinks

From cocktails to coffee and tea, holiday meals are full of festive drinks and after-dinner cappuccinos. Unfiltered tap water can oftentimes turn drinks bitter or metallic tasting. For your cold beverages, don’t forget water includes ice too. Ice cubes made with tap water can just as easily ruin a mixed drink. 

Before you start mixing things up in the kitchen, determine how you can ensure your water is fresh and pure for all your cooking needs. From bottled water, to a variety of filtration systems, there’s a solution for every chef.  

This was Part 2 of our series on holiday water usage. Keep coming back for tips on how to accommodate your guests’ water usage without breaking the bank.

Serve Perfect Water This Holiday Season

When setting the table, we may stop to think, “Does the water glass go on the left or the right?” But we often don’t consider what kind of water or ice we are filling those glasses with and what our guests might be used to drinking.

Tap water quality and taste ranges wildly from city to city, town to town, depending on its source and filtration methods. On your own, you may bypass that funky tap water by purchasing bottled water or using a water delivery service. But over time, the costs add up. 

Americans spend nearly $12 billion a year on bottled water, almost 2,000 times the cost of tap water. And when you have guests in town, you’re looking at purchasing A LOT of bottled water to ensure you have enough clean-tasting water to drink. 

So what can you do to avoid going broke on bottles or serving your important guests poor-quality tap water? Well, the good news is that tap water can be greatly improved by the use of a sinktop filtration system. Sinktop systems are simple to install compared to undersink systems, and their compact size means it won’t take up a lot of space. And at under $100, you’ll save a bundle on bottles. 

Something else to consider is the ice you’re using. With unfiltered ice, often you get cloudy, mineral filled cubes that when melted, taste just like your tap water defeating the purpose of serving up filtered water. In order to avoid this, you’re better off buying crystal clear filtered ice from the grocery store or fill ice-cube trays with filtered or bottled water. If you’re looking for a long-term solution, install a whole-home filter. Whole-home filters rid your water of common water treatment chemicals, foul tastes and unappealing smells. This solution will not only help with your water in your kitchen, but in every area of the home.   

So whichever side of the table you put your glasses on (hint: on the right, just above the knife), just make sure you’re filling it with water and ice that tastes as good as the meal you’re pairing.

This was Part 1 of our series on holiday water usage. Keep coming back for tips on how to accommodate your guests’ water usage without breaking the bank.

The Latest in Water Quality News

The latest in water news again has to deal with high levels of a contaminant found in city water supplies across the nation. The “Erin Brockovich” toxin, otherwise known as chromium-6 is a carcinogenic chemical compound that finds its way into water systems due to improper industrial waste deposal, according to PBS. 

As a major health concern, most people are now wondering how they can remove the contaminant from their water supply. A properly designed and serviced reverse osmosis system should reduce chromium-6 quantities to below detectable levels. For example, Home Master Filter systems will reduce chromium-6 by 91.4 percent on average. 

Read the full story and learn more about U.S. EPA chromium-6 requirements here on AzCentral.com. 

Perfect Water Technologies Ranks on Inc. 5000 for Second Consecutive Year

Inc. magazine ranked Perfect Water Technologies No. 878 on its 35th annual Inc. 5000, the most prestigious ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. With new, breakthrough water filtration products added to the company portfolio, along with expanded distribution channels, the company managed to move up on the list nearly 100 spots. President of the company,Jon Sigona, attributed the growth to exceptional customer service, the importance of quality water filtration products and the need for advanced in-home solutions.

Perfect Water Technologies Among Top 25 AZ Companies Named To Inc. 5000

452% Growth Lands Innovative Water Tech Company on the List for the 2nd Consecutive Year

PHOENIX (August 18, 2016) – Inc. magazine today ranked Perfect Water Technologies No. 878 on its 35th annual Inc. 5000, the most prestigious ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. The list represents a unique look at successful companies within the American economy’s most dynamic segment— its independent small businesses.  

For the second year in a row, Perfect Water Technologies landed on the Inc. 5000 list due in large part to its significant year-over-year growth and sales. With new, breakthrough water filtration products added to the company portfolio, along with expanded distribution channels, Perfect Water Technologies moved up on the list to 878 from 950 the year prior. 

“We continue to be an innovator of leading water quality technologies and to be recognized on Inc. 5000 for a second consecutive year is a testament to that growth and the commitment of our team to provide exceptional customer experiences,” said President of Perfect Water Technologies, Jon Sigona. “Water quality is paramount to all of us, and the proven performance of our products speaks to the growing need for advanced water quality solutions in our homes.” 

Perfect Water Technologies recently expanded its relationship with HomeDepot.com, growing its distribution worldwide while continuing a successful relationship with Amazon.com. Most Perfect Water Technologies products can be found on the HomeMasterFilters.com or on either retailers above.

The 2016 Inc. 5000 is the most competitive crop in the list’s history. The average company on the list achieved a mind-boggling three-year growth of 433%. The Inc. 5000’s aggregate revenue is $200 billion, and the companies on the list collectively generated 640,000 jobs over the past three years, or about 8% of all jobs created in the entire economy during that period.  

Companies such as Microsoft, Dell, Domino’s Pizza, Pandora, Timberland, LinkedIn, Yelp, Zillow, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees of the Inc. 5000.Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profile, can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000.

About Perfect Water Technologies

Perfect Water Technologies is an innovative water purification and reverse osmosis (RO) filter-supply company. Specializing in the Home Master series of home and garden systems, the company has developed patented technologies that remove up to 99 percent of potentially harmful water contaminants, providing the highest-grade catalytic carbon filtered water. For more information about Perfect Water Technologies and Home Master products, visit www.homemasterfilters.com.

More about Inc. and the Inc. 500|5000

The 2016 Inc. 5000 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2012 to 2015. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2012. They had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2015. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2012 is $100,000; the minimum for 2015 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Companies on the Inc. 500 are featured in Inc.'s September issue. They represent the top tier of the Inc. 5000, which can be found at http://www.inc.com/inc5000

Is cold or warm water better for drinking?

Have you ever wondered if cold or room temperature water is better for you? Turns out, it depends. There are health benefits to drinking both. 

Research tells us that water affects the body differently, even more so when you introduce cold, warm and room temperature water. While most of us have some idea of how much water we should be drinking each day, whether or not it should be cold or warm is still a common question.

According to a recent article published by the Mayo Clinic, the Institute of Medicine states an adequate intake (AI) for men is roughly about 3 liters of total beverages a day. The AI for women is about 2.2 liters of total beverages a day. To reap the maximum hydration benefits of water, take these factors into consideration before you fill up next:

Post-workout cool down.

After a long hard workout, drinking ice-cold water is your best bet. Your body temperature is typically high and room temperature water won’t lower your body temperature as quickly as cold water. So, throw some ice in your hydration pack or water bottle and enjoy.

Weight-loss and water.

Water and its impact on weight loss has long been a discussion topic. Yes, drinking water can help you feel full by alleviating hunger pains. Did you also know drinking cold water burns more calories? While I don’t recommend relying solely on water for your weight loss, colder water can help burn a few extra calories, and water overall helps boost and maintain your metabolism on an ongoing basis. 

In a hurry to hydrate? 

Studies show that warm or room temperature water is easiest for the body to absorb so keep this in mind when you are trying to rehydrate. Where it gets tricky is when someone is overheated. At that point, cold water is the best choice. It’s actually pretty straightforward: if you’re hot drink cold water and if you’re cold drink warm water.

At the end of the day, there will always be differing opinions on drinking water temperatures. Bottom line, drink plenty of water throughout the day to remain properly hydrated and be sure to follow the recommendations of your doctor. Staying well hydrated promotes wellness, including weight loss, organ function, brain function and mood.